Kids Run Club Mini-Grant FAQs

For all intents and purposes, they are the same!

We use the term ‘Kids Run Club Mini-Grant’ to refer more specifically to the whole program and the application process, whereas the term ‘Kids Run Club program’ is more often used to reference just the program and accompanying manual. 

Any school or community group in West Virginia who would like to start or continue a Kids Run Club may apply. If you’ve been awarded a mini-grant in the past, you may apply again. We encourage repeat awardees, because we want to see the Kids Run Club program grow in schools and become part of the culture for students to participate in season after season. We also encourage first time applicants – we want to see the program start in new communities throughout the state too!

The teacher does not need to be involved with the club! Although Active SWV encourage and welcomes all staff and parents to volunteer, it’s not a requirement for a teacher to be involved. 

However, it’s expected that any parent that wants to start a Kids Run Club will meet with the Principal of the school to get permission and discuss their role and the school’s role in the program. Active SWV will not award the Mini-Grant until this conversation is had. Active SVW will also often conduct background checks on parent volunteers. 

The Kids Run Club Mini-Grant includes:

• Zoom Kids Run Club Coaches training for volunteers
• Manuals mailed to all coaches (also available in PDF form)
• Active SWV provides end of season medals for participants
• Technical support from Active SWV throughout
• $300 Funding to spend on exercise equipment and/or other healthy items for the club

The Kids Run Club mini-grant requires that:

• The program is offered for free to participants
• All participants fill out the Active SWV waiver to be shared with Active SWV
• Pre and Post surveys completed by participants and returned to Active SWV
• Mini-grant recipient completes a reporting form at the conclusion of the program

The Fall 2025 Kids Run Club Mini-Grant is open from August 11 – October 15. Click here for application information.

Have questions? Email hello@activeswv.com.

No, practices do not need to be held after school – Active SWV doesn’t dictate the Club’s practice schedule. The Kids Run Club practice schedule is set by the volunteer coaches according to what works for them and the space they have available at their location. Clubs can practice before school, after school, in the evening, or during the day as long as the time and place are approved by the school’s administration!

Absolutely! Prior experience is NOT NECESSARY to be a successful Kids Run Club coach! Running is not required, and Active SWV provides all coaches with a free Kids Run Club manual and training that will prepare them to lead the Club. All you need to bring is a positive attitude and a passion to get kids active!

Active SWV doesn’t require a particular number of volunteers for a Kids Run Club, or a required ratio of volunteer coaches to participants. We defer to the school’s policy on how many adults are needed per the number of participants.

Active SWV has groups ranging from 2 volunteers up to 15 coaches per club – it all depends on the capacity of the volunteers and the number of kids participating. We do recommend that larger groups recruit more volunteer help.

Please reach out to us at hello@activeswv.com, and someone will respond to you shortly!